Multi-million pound rescue for Western Quay

It is being delivered jointly by a partnership comprising the UK Port of Tyne, North Tyneside Council, North Shields Fish Quay Co Ltd, One North East, and the Marine Fisheries Agency

Decades of constant use by fishing vessels, together with the impact of North Sea tides and weather, have taken their toll on Western Quay, a major berthing structure at the western end of North Shields Fish Quay, which is in need of urgent repair.

Owned by Port of Tyne and leased to North Shields Fish Quay Co Ltd, the structure had been found to be at risk of imminent closure.

But now a partnership brought together by North Tyneside Council has signed an agreement to deliver a £5.75m scheme to carry out a major engineering solution to ensure Western Quay serves the industry and wider regeneration at North Shields Fish Quay for future decades.

‘Western Quay is vital to the success of the local fishing industry and the future of North Shields Fish Quay, which as a designated port supports the whole regional fleet, said North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Linda Arkley, welcoming the partnership initiative.

‘It is where the bigger fishing vessels berth and an integral part of the visitor experience to North Shields Fish Quay. As a council we could not stand back and allow it to deteriorate further and are delighted to have the support of our partners to ensure this urgent work is delivered.’

The work, being project managed by the Port of Tyne, is funded by a £2m award from the European Fisheries Fund, £1.55m from North Tyneside Council, £1.2 m from One North East and £1m from Port of Tyne.

Andrew Moffat, chief executive at the Port of Tyne said, ‘For centuries the Fish Quay has served the community well, providing economic prosperity and a strong regional identity to North Shields. The Port of Tyne is keen to sustain the Quay not only for future generations but also to support the local fishing industry. The 44 week project is scheduled for completion in October 2010’.

It has been developed from the findings of a feasibility study, commissioned by North Tyneside Council from Halcrow that highlighted the value of the Western Quay to the local economy, particular through the jobs it supports. The study recommended a full re-instatement to preserve the fishing industry and support the ongoing regeneration of the Fish Quay.